Copper thieves making things hotter at Metro East schools

EAST ST. LOUIS — Several East St. Louis schools are going without air conditioning after thieves rendered the units useless by stealing copper wiring.

The Associated Press

EAST ST. LOUIS — Several East St. Louis schools are going without air conditioning after thieves rendered the units useless by stealing copper wiring.

The Belleville News-Democrat reports the air conditioners have been out of service since last Friday at three schools. A fourth school's unit has mechanical problems.

The school district's spokeswoman, Beth Shepperd, says the repairs over the next couple of weeks likely will cost more than $100,000.

Shepperd says fans have been brought in for the affected students, and the dress code has been relaxed to allow more comfortable clothing. Shepperd says that if the heat index becomes a factor, the schools will consider dismissing students early.